Reconstruction of the helical rim with the rubber band-conditioned postauricular tubed flap: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
A case with posttraumatic tissue loss of the auricle is presented, where successful reconstruction with the aid of a tubed flap is achieved by gradual lysis within three stages.


BACKGROUND
Helical rim losses may be reconstructed with a tubed flap created from postauricular tissue.


METHODS
The vascularity of the tubed flap was increased with the intermittent application of a rubber band tourniquet.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of a tourniquet before completing the third stage of the helical rim reconstruction may enhance the reliability of this procedure.
Schwabegger
A
A
Universitätsklinik für Plastische & Wiederherstellungchirurgie, Innsbruck, Austria. Anton.Schwabegger@uibk.ac.at
Anderl
H
H
Ninković
M
M
D000328:Adult; D004431:Ear, External / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D012408:Rubber; D013524:Surgical Flaps
D012408:Rubber